Agenda item

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out options for income adjustments.

The Board considered the report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out a number of options for financial management which could impact upon the budget setting for 2020-2021.

Board members had met on an informal basis to identify potential options to meet the likely annual financial deficit. This work had produced some viable options which were set out within the report for the Board's formal endorsement.

As part of the discussion, Members noted that extensive research into the possible options and comparison with other authorities to ensure consistency had been conducted. It was also noted that, as part of any future work, the Authority could work with the Crown Estate to review the income from pontoons.

A query was raised regarding the legality of recommendation 2i, to apply a flat rate charge for Harbour Dues in respect of all dry stacked vessel berths at a rate of £100 for each berth per annum. The Chairman indicated that he would pursue this with Legal Services.

Members were aware that the options would be incorporated into the budget setting for 2020/21 to address the potential financial deficit but that no final decision was required at this stage on any of the fees, charges and proposals contained within the report. Once the budget setting work had been conducted, Members noted that a final report would be brought back to the Board for consideration and approval.

RESOLVED:

The River Hamble Harbour Board agreed that the following options be taken forward for incorporation into next year’s budget:

            (i).        To apply a flat rate charge for Harbour Dues in respect of all dry-stacked vessel berths at a rate of £100 for each berth per annum, enabling a flexible launching regime and ensuring that Harbour Dues are paid in respect of launches which are not currently captured.

            (ii).   To apply the following annual Harbour Authority mooring rates for permanently moored fishing vessels at Warsash:

§  <8m - £1000

§  >8m - <9.5m - £1100

§  >9.5m - £1200

            (iii).        To increase daily launching charges, payable according to length overall and power as follows:

§  Under 6m and under 10hp – free;

§  Under 6m and over 10hp - £5 (formerly £4);

§  Over 6m and over 10hp - £8 (formerly £6).

            And to increase Visitors’ Rates to the following:

§  Warsash Jetty.

·         Short stay (up to 4 hours):

o   up to 12 metres length overall - £8 (£6);

o   over 12 metres length overall - £10 (£8);

o   overnight (after 5pm) - £3 (£2) per metre.

·         Weekly - £3 (£2) per metre per night.

§  Hamble Jetty.

·         Short stay (up to 4 hours):

o   up to 12 metres length overall - £8 (£6);

o   over 12 metres length overall - £10 (£8);

o   overnight (after 5pm) - £2.50 (£1.75) per metre.

·         Weekly - £2 per metre per night.

§  Mid-stream Visitors’ Pontoon.

·         Short stay (up to 4 hours):

o   up to 12 metres length overall – £5 (£4);

o   over 12 metres length overall – £8 (£6);

o   overnight (after 5pm) - £2 (£1.50) per metre.

·         Weekly - £2 (£1.50) per metre per night.

            (iv).      To transfer any additional balance that may be created as a result of these measures to the Asset Enhancement Reserve to take advantage of future opportunities